Factsheets What is Schizophrenia?Schizophrenia is a word that simply refers to an illness in which the changes in behaviour or psychotic symptoms have been present for a period of at least 6 months The symptoms, severity and length of this illness vary from person to person. Contrary to previous beliefs, schizophrenia is a fairly common illness (1 in 100), and many people with schizophrenia lead happy and fulfilling lives. | Alcohol |